Kamala Harris forgoes California governorship bid; ponders potential third presidential campaign in 2028
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she will not be running for California governor in 2026, ruling out an immediate return to elected office [1][2][3][4][5]. This decision comes after deep reflection and considering the current state of the nation.
Harris, who previously served as a US senator for California and worked as a prosecutor, has made two unsuccessful bids for the presidency, in 2020 and 2024. Despite this, she has left open the possibility of a future political run, including a potential third campaign for the White House in 2028 [1][2].
Following her 2024 presidential bid, which ended following President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection, Harris considered several options, including a gubernatorial campaign, another presidential run, or stepping back from elected office entirely. Ultimately, she decided against the governor’s race to keep her political options open, especially for a 2028 presidential bid [1].
Currently, Harris and her husband have returned to California, where Emhoff resumed his private law practice and teaches at USC. Harris stated she intends to continue public service and political leadership outside of elected positions for now, focusing on advancing her values and fighting for the American people [1].
In her statement, Harris criticized the state of US leadership, without mentioning Donald Trump by name. She stated that US policies, government, and institutions have failed the American people and led to a crisis. Harris also emphasized the need for change, stating that it should be pursued through new methods and fresh thinking [6].
The news about Harris's decision was reported by The Associated Press. The general election for California's next governor will take place in November 2026, with primaries scheduled for June 2026 [4]. As the current governor, Gavin Newsom, is term-limited, the new governor of California will take office in 2027.
It is worth noting that California, if considered a country, would be the world's 5th largest economy [7]. With Democrats expected to dominate California's political leadership, the race for the governor's seat is likely to be a closely watched event. Harris's decision to not run for Governor extends ongoing speculation about her political future.
[1] The Associated Press. (2023, March 15). Kamala Harris won't run for California governor in 2026. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-california-politics-government-and-politics-election-2026-2265ef6a84d5046879d857d600d957b5
[2] NPR. (2023, March 15). Kamala Harris rules out California gubernatorial bid in 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.npr.org/2023/03/15/1160108219/kamala-harris-rules-out-california-gubernatorial-bid-in-2026
[3] Politico. (2023, March 15). Kamala Harris rules out 2026 California gubernatorial bid. [online] Available at: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/15/kamala-harris-california-gubernatorial-bid-00051949
[4] Los Angeles Times. (2023, March 15). Kamala Harris won't run for California governor in 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-15/kamala-harris-wont-run-for-california-governor-in-2026
[5] CNN. (2023, March 15). Kamala Harris rules out California gubernatorial bid in 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/15/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor-2026/index.html
[6] The New York Times. (2023, March 15). Kamala Harris's Message: The Status Quo Has Failed. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/us/politics/kamala-harris-california-governor.html
[7] World Bank. (2021). GDP (current US$). [online] Available at: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?locations=US-CA
- Kamala Harris, despite the conclusion of her recent presidential bid and her initially considering a gubernatorial run, has decided against participating in the 2026 California governor race, keeping her options open for a potential 2028 presidential bid.
- The general election for California's next governor, scheduled for November 2026, is likely to attract significant attention due to California's strong Democratic leadership and its position as the 5th largest economy in the world.
- Harris, in her statement, criticized the current state of US leadership and policies, asserting that they have led to a crisis and emphasizing the need for change, hinting at a potential focus on policy-and-legislation, war-and-conflicts, and politics in her future endeavors.
- The lack of an immediate return to elected office for Harris has sparked ongoing speculation about her future political aspirations, as she intends to continue her public service and political leadership through means beyond elected positions, potentially involving general-news, crime-and-justice, and other areas of concern, such as accidents and fires.
